The Covenant of Sinai

Question 1

What was the covenant of Sinai?

Answer 1

-The Torah teaches Jews about the covenant God made with all Jewish people at Mount Sinai. God gave Moses a set of ten laws that they should follow in order to please him. God told Moses that if these rules were not followed, God would punish people who disobeyed them. Today these laws are known as the Ten Commandments.

-This covenant was when the Jews had been freed from slavery and were walking through the desert

-It was written on two stone tablets and kept in the Ark of the covenant.
There were 613 laws given to Moses at Sinai, including the decalogue (the 10 commandments)

Question 2

What are the 10 commandments and where can they be found?

Answer 2

The Ten Commandments are found in the book of Exodus. They are:

• Do not have any other gods.
• Do not make or worship idols.
• Do not disrespect or misuse God’s name.
• Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
• Honour your mother and father.
• Do not commit murder.
• Do not commit adultery.
• Do not steal.
• Do not tell lies
• Do not be envious of others.

Exodus 20:1–15

Question 3

What are the 10 commandments and where can they be found?

Answer 3

The Ten Commandments are found in the book of Exodus. They are:

• Do not have any other gods.
• Do not make or worship idols.
• Do not disrespect or misuse God’s name.
• Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
• Honour your mother and father.
• Do not commit murder.
• Do not commit adultery.
• Do not steal.
• Do not tell lies
• Do not be envious of others.

Exodus 20:1–15

Question 4

Why is Moses seen as important?

Answer 4

Jews believe that Moses was a very important prophet as he was chosen by God to pass on these laws to all of the Jewish people. It is believed that God gave the laws to Moses verbally before they were inscribed on stone.

Question 5

What is the importance of following the commandments today

Answer 5

The Ten Commandments still hold great significance for Jews today for many reasons:

They are a guide for Jewish living today.
Following the Ten Commandments is part of the covenant made at Mount Sinai, which applies to all Jews.
God will judge Jews on how well they have observed these commandments.
Following the commandments helps Jews to become better people today.
The commandments help Jews to treat other people with respect.
The commandments guide Jews to love and worship God effectively.